During the City of Kissimmee City Commission meeting on December 17, 2024, significant discussions centered around proposed amendments to the rates and charges policy for Kissimmee Gateway Airport. The proposed changes aim to implement a landing fee for transient aircraft and increase land rental charges for aeronautical land and aircraft parking.

The airport director suggested a landing fee of $3 per $1,000 for transient aircraft, with one free landing per day for aircraft weighing under 5,000 pounds. Additionally, a $20 operational fee for transient helicopters was proposed. The second major change would raise the per square foot land rental charges to $0.35 for aeronautical land and aircraft parking apron.

This proposal has been a topic of contention, having been discussed in multiple previous meetings. The commission had initially postponed the decision to allow for further public input, which was a focal point of the current meeting. Several community members voiced strong opposition to the proposed fees, arguing that they would negatively impact local pilots and the airport's traffic.

David Meade, a local resident, emphasized that the community overwhelmingly opposes the fees, stating that only airport staff supported the changes. He urged the commission to heed the voices of local residents rather than external influences. Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting concerns about safety and the financial burden on student pilots and local aviators. They warned that the fees could deter pilots from using Kissimmee Gateway Airport, potentially leading to decreased traffic and revenue.

Chris Zayach, a long-time airport user, expressed frustration over the financial pressures already faced by pilots, arguing that the proposed fees would further exacerbate these challenges. He cautioned that pilots might avoid the airport altogether, which could harm the local economy and the airport's growth prospects.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commission to consider the public feedback before making a final decision on the proposed amendments. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between generating revenue for the airport and maintaining accessibility for the local aviation community. As the commission prepares for its next steps, the outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, with significant implications for both the airport's future and the local pilot community.